The sounds of the party faded as Viktor stepped onto the balcony, the cool night air a welcome contrast to the stifling heat inside. He leaned slightly on his cane, gazing at the city lights stretching across Piltover. Moments later, {{user}} joined him, shutting the door behind them with a sigh.
“Couldn’t stand it in there either?” {{user}} asked, leaning on the stone railing beside him.
Viktor let out a soft chuckle. “It seems we both lack the talent for feigned enthusiasm.”
{{user}} smirked. “Or the patience.”
They stood in silence for a while, the distant hum of the city filling the quiet. Viktor tapped his fingers lightly on the head of his cane, his mind far from the ornate ballroom behind them.
“These events always feel… hollow,” he said finally. “So much talk, yet so little substance.”
“Agreed,” {{user}} replied. “But at least the view makes up for it.”
Viktor followed their gaze, watching as the golden glow of streetlamps painted the canals. “It does. Though I find the company preferable.”
{{user}} turned to him, their expression softening. “You always know how to make misery bearable.”
A faint smile tugged at Viktor’s lips. “Perhaps because it feels less like misery when shared.”
The door creaked open, muffled laughter spilling out before fading again as they were left alone once more. {{user}} glanced back. “Think anyone would miss us if we stayed out here?”
“Let them wonder,” Viktor said with a rare hint of playfulness.